Lexington, Kentucky, September 7, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a University of Kentucky senior, has withdrawn from school following serious legal charges connected to the death of her infant son. Facing multiple charges, including concealing the birth of an infant and tampering with evidence, she was found with her child’s remains hidden in her home. Snelling, now under house arrest, has pleaded not guilty and is set to appear in court later this month. The case has stirred conversations about reproductive rights and its impact on the community.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old senior at the University of Kentucky, has officially withdrawn from the university in light of serious legal charges related to the death of her infant son. The withdrawal from the university, confirmed by UK Spokesperson Jay Blanton, also involves her departure from the school’s STUNT team, marking a significant change in her educational and extracurricular commitments.
Snelling is facing multiple serious charges including concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. The legal troubles began when police were called to her residence on Park Avenue after reports of an unresponsive infant on August 27. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the baby’s body wrapped in a towel and placed in a black trash bag in a closet. The infant, a baby boy, was found to have succumbed under undisclosed circumstances, with the Fayette County Coroner’s Office reporting that the preliminary autopsy results were “inconclusive” and required further testing for clarity on the cause of death.
In the course of the investigation, Snelling admitted to law enforcement that she had given birth and attempted to cover up the event by cleaning the scene and hiding evidence, including the remains of her child. Following her initial arrest on September 3, Snelling was released on a $100,000 bond but has been placed under house arrest at her parents’ home in Jefferson City, Tennessee, which is approximately 200 miles from Lexington. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges during her court appearance on September 5, and her attorney has refrained from commenting on the case.
Snelling is expected to appear for a preliminary hearing on September 26 at 8:30 a.m. The coroner’s office has indicated that extensive microscopic analyses are necessary to ascertain the cause and manner of death for the infant, highlighting the complexity of this investigation.
The University of Kentucky has issued minimal statements regarding the ongoing investigation, acknowledging Snelling’s previous enrollment and athletic participation. However, the situation has drawn substantial media attention due to its disturbing nature and implications concerning reproductive rights, particularly in the context of Kentucky’s legal landscape following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. The case has sparked conversations about the broader societal impacts of such cases and the potential implications on community dynamics, as noted by coroner Gary W. Ginn, who has remarked on the investigation’s reach and effect on multiple lives.
This unfolding case not only affects Snelling and her family but entire communities as questions about rights and responsibilities surrounding childbirth and life continue to arise.
FAQ
What charges is Laken Snelling facing?
Laken Snelling faces charges of concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse.
When did the incident involving the infant occur?
The police were alerted to the situation on August 27, when they found the infant’s body.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has declared preliminary autopsy results inconclusive, requiring further testing. Snelling’s next court appearance is on September 26.
What has the University of Kentucky stated regarding the case?
The University has confirmed Snelling’s withdrawal and her previous involvement in athletics but has not issued further comment on the investigation.
What has happened to Laken Snelling since her arrest?
She has been released on a $100,000 bond and is currently under house arrest at her parents’ home.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Laken Snelling |
| Age | 21 |
| Charges | Concealing birth, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse |
| Date of Incident | August 27 |
| Arrest Date | September 3 |
| Court Appearance | September 5 |
| Next Hearing | September 26 |
| Current Status | Released on bond, under house arrest |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Kentucky Student Pleads Not Guilty in Infant Death Case
University of Kentucky Athlete Pleads Not Guilty in Infant Death Case
Death Investigation in Lexington Raises Community Concerns
Mother Arrested After Infant Found Deceased in Closet
University Student Arrested After Infant Found Deceased
University of Kentucky Student Arrested in Infant Death Case
University Student Arrested After Infant Found in Lexington
Mother Arrested Following Infant’s Tragic Death in Lexington
Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Concealment of Birth
- LEX 18
- Google Search: Laken Snelling case
- ABC 7 Chicago
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Abuse of Corpse
- WHAS 11
- Google News: Laken Snelling case
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